MANILA, Philippines – The Quezon City government Wednesday deferred this month’s implementation of the city’s anti-smoke belching campaign to give the transport sector ample time to comply with the provisions of the ordinance on anti-smoke belching.

Mayor Herbert Bautista said the moratorium which is 15 days longer than what was previously granted is enough time for transport drivers and operators to undertake repair and maintenance works on their vehicles.

He said he hopes the reprieve will reduce at minimum levels the harmful chemicals and fuel emissions coughed out by vehicles which were found to be the largest contributors to urban air pollution.

“As the city government remains committed in improving air quality, it is imperative that the transport sector should be part of the solution in addressing the city’s environmental concerns,” said Bautista.

Earlier, the city government adopted an ordinance providing guidelines on anti-smoke belching for motor vehicles as the city underscored the need to set standards for a comprehensive policy and program for air quality management and control of air pollution.

The city’s Environmental Protection and Waste Management Department (EPWMD), headed by Frederika Rentoy, is setting the emission standards for motor vehicles provided for in Republic Act 8749 or the Clean Air Act. It also provides fines and penalties to violators.

For motorcycles and tricycles violating emission limits, fines range from P100 to P500 while for public utility vehicles, including private vehicles, fines range from P1,000 to P5,000.

From January to November 30 this year, the EPWMD’s anti-smoke belching unit apprehended about 7,663 violators, with the city collecting about P6.9 million in fines.